Tampa Bay HEAT Athletics
Tampa Bay HEAT Cross Country
Run with Purpose. Grow in Faith. Finish Strong.
Whether your athlete is running for the first time or preparing for serious competition,
Tampa Bay HEAT Cross Country offers a Christ-centered team environment focused on endurance,
confidence, discipline, healthy habits, and lasting friendships.
Middle School | Grades 6–8
Elementary | Grades K–5
High School Starts
Monday, July 27
Middle School Starts
Monday, August 3
Elementary Starts
Monday, August 3
More Than Miles
Why Run with Tampa Bay HEAT?
Our goal is to help athletes develop their God-given abilities while growing in character,
confidence, perseverance, teamwork, and lifelong health.
Grades 9–12
High School Cross Country
Personal coaching, smart training, strong friendships, and the opportunity
to discover what each athlete is capable of accomplishing.
Monday, July 27
Practice Schedule
Centerpoint Church
Dover Horse Trails
Centerpoint Church
Dover Horse Trails
Program Overview
Our high school program is about much more than logging miles.
Athletes are encouraged, challenged, and supported as they work toward
individual goals, build friendships, and grow in confidence.
Runners receive personal attention and one-on-one coaching to help them
handle challenges, celebrate progress, and continue improving throughout the season.
- Endurance training
- Injury prevention exercises
- Stretching and recovery
- Training and race-day nutrition
- Florida heat and humidity strategies
- Individual goal setting
- Race preparation
- One-on-one coaching
High School Sports Paperwork Is Required
High school-level athletes must complete the required sports paperwork before participating.
This also applies to middle school students who are trying out for or participating on a high school team.
Grades 6–8
Middle School Cross Country
A positive environment where athletes grow as runners and individuals while developing
endurance, discipline, healthy training habits, and confidence.
Monday, August 3
Practice Schedule
Centerpoint Church
Centerpoint Church
Dover Horse Trails
Program Overview
Athletes learn proper running technique, build endurance, and develop healthy
training habits that can serve them for years to come.
Runners set personal goals, challenge themselves, and celebrate progress while
learning perseverance and discipline. The regular season includes opportunities
for approximately seven meets. New and experienced runners are welcome.
- Three practices each week
- Proper running technique
- Endurance development
- Healthy training habits
- Personal goal setting
- Perseverance and discipline
- Approximately seven meets
- Encouragement at every level
Grades K–5
Elementary Cross Country
A fun and encouraging introduction to running that builds endurance,
teamwork, confidence, and a lifelong love for movement.
Monday, August 3
Practice Schedule
Centerpoint Church
Centerpoint Church
Program Overview
Runners are divided into two age groups: K–2 and
grades 3–5. Each group is coached according to age and ability.
Younger athletes learn through games and basic running skills.
Older athletes focus more on endurance, pacing, and race preparation.
- K–2 race distance: 1K
- Grades 3–5 race distance: 2K
- Age-appropriate instruction
- Games and running fundamentals
- Endurance and pacing
- Confidence and teamwork
- Race preparation
- All experience levels welcome
Meet the Team
Our Cross Country Coaches
Our coaches bring years of experience in running, athletics, health,
education, and Christian leadership. They are passionate about helping
athletes grow in confidence, character, and a lifelong love of running.
Coach • High School
Susan Wade
Susan brings more than 30 years of experience in fitness,
nutrition, and endurance sports. She is passionate about helping
athletes grow in confidence, character, and faith while reaching
their full potential.
Middle School Coach
Lauren Roy
Lauren has been running for more than 20 years and is a
registered nurse. She combines her love of running, health,
and Christ-centered encouragement to help every athlete succeed.
Elementary Coach
Leah Shaffer
Leah is a lifelong runner, former teacher, and track coach
who has completed seven marathons and an ultramarathon. She
loves helping young runners build confidence and a lifelong
love of running.
Coach • High School • Skills & Training
Carlan Arthur
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Carlan competed in
middle-distance running before becoming Head Distance Coach at
Vast Sports Performance, where he specializes in endurance,
running mechanics, and race strategy.
Quick Reference
Season at a Glance
| Program | Start Date | Practice Time | Practice Days | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
High School Grades 9–12 |
Monday, July 27 | 7:00–8:30 AM | Monday–Thursday |
Mon/Wed: Centerpoint Church Tue/Thu: Dover Horse Trails |
|
Middle School Grades 6–8 |
Monday, August 3 | 7:00–8:30 AM | Monday, Wednesday & Thursday |
Mon/Wed: Centerpoint Church Thu: Dover Horse Trails |
|
Elementary Grades K–5 |
Monday, August 3 | 7:00–8:30 AM | Monday & Wednesday | Centerpoint Church |
Where We Practice
Practice Locations
Centerpoint Church
Elementary practices meet here Mondays and Wednesdays.
Middle and High School practices meet here Mondays and Wednesdays.
Dover Horse Trails
High School practices meet here Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Middle School practices meet here Thursdays.
Ready to Join the Team?
Whether your athlete wants to compete, stay active, build confidence, or discover
a love for running, Tampa Bay HEAT Cross Country provides a welcoming place to grow
in faith, fitness, friendship, and perseverance.